Leaf: When dry, leaves are incurved and mildly contorted. When moist, leaves spread. Oblong to linear-lanceolate, 2.5-4.5 x 0.3-0.5 mm, keeled, and tapers to a slender and acuminate apex that is often hyaline. Awn short and often mucronate (use hand-lens). Both margins plane or one/both sides recurved proximally. Costa ends before apex and projects on abaxial side (keeled).

Its distinctive characteristics include dark, round cushions with linear, contorted leaves in shaded, sub-alpine habitats. The awns are noticeable only with a hand-lens. Its habit is similar to Dicranowesia crispula.

Lawton, E. 1971. Keys for the Identification of the Mosses on the Pacific Northwest. Reprinted from 'Moss Flora of the Pacific Northwest'. Published as Supplement No. 2 of the Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory. Nichinan, Miyazaki, Japan. 66 pp.